SV650S vs GSXR600

Yes technically speaking the GSXR is probably the better road bike. That is not to say you would prefer it though.

In fairness I can't exactly compare the GSXR with the ZX6R as I have spent far too much time riding one over the other. I had never had a Kwak before and had always had weird but unexplained thoughts about them but I'd definitely get another.

Year for year all the magazine reviews have the 03/04 ZX6R blowing the GSXR away. It is quicker in a straightline, has more power through the range and is faster round a track.

Downside is that it can be bit (massive understatement) flighty. I think the GSXR is supposed to be a more stable machine and has better comfort levels. Whereas the ZX6 always feels like it is going to kill you, I believe it is still regarded as the most mental psycho lunatic 600 supersports bike ever made.

The Kwak is as cheap to buy and I guess it will corrode every bit as bad as the Suzuki if you use it in salt without the correct treatment. The 03/04 at least came with a hugger as standard which helps protect the shock etc.

Bottom line is that tight competition means all the 600's are pretty much the same so there isn't that much difference just that the Kwak has more cubes and therefore always has a bit more power. Enough power to notice mind you, when following other supersports of the same year I always feel I have enough extra performance to go past them. On a very bumpy road they would kick my butt though as the bike is far too track focused!

Comprehensive group test although note that the 04 GSXR is different to the 03 model:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ArticleID=1290

Originally Posted by Beenz

I was thinking of a GSXR760 ruling out the 600 on the grounds of wanting some more useable low down power (not that you'd get the same as an SV) and not having to rev the thing all the time to make progress.

Last year I rode a buddies 03 GSXR750 back-to-back with my 05 SV650S.
Midrange power felt very comparable, although smoother on the gixxer. But as the SV's power curve starts to flatten out and drop off at 8-9000 , the GSXR really starts to take off! I ran out of room (and guts ) before I was anywhere near the redline.
My buddy was also impressed with the usable power from the SV, feeling stronger than he'd expected from a 70HP bike. So if I should upgrade to an il4, I'd go for the 750. Or why not the 675 Daytona. :P

I was looking at the 675 cos I absolutely love the sound! Trouble is they were hard to get hold of, there was no discount on list price and for the same money you can get a new ZX10R OTR!!!

In the meantime I am going to read up on the 06 Gixxer 750 as it looks like an insurance friendly alternative.

I have heard people say of the old models that they would rather have one of the latest 600's though. Not sure where the 03 model sits in all that as I don't know when the models were updated.

I did indeed go from an SV650 to a GSXR600K3. I loved the SV but I found it just a bit lacking in raw acceleration.
The GSXR did handle very well but I would not say a whole load better than the SV. We have some pretty poor road surfaces around here and the softer set up on the SV was really welcome. On a smooth road then the GSXR was probably better in the turns, though I found the lack of engine braking by comparision to be a hinderance. The SV brakes are every bit as good too, though engine brakinghelps here.
On track days the GSXR was brilliant, though a race track is what it is bred for.

The problem I had with the GSXR was it was so damned uncomfortable. In the end I just didn't ride it because it hurt too much after any distance.

I chopped it in for an SV1000 thinking it would be like my old SV650 but with more power. It certainly had more power and torque, but it is longer and heavier. It handles, but not in the same manner as the SV650. It is not as comfortable either.
I am seriously thinking of going back to an SV650 and I regret ever selling it, though the 1000 is a nice bike in itself.
To me SV650 has been the most rideable of bikes, but that could be that I am getting old and steady and not really into "getting my knee down".

Bike choice is a very personal thing, but for me the SV650 is the ideal bike. Having a test ride may help, but in truth you can't really tell if a bike is for you until you have done several hundred miles or so of riding.

Thanks again for replies - I may stay with the SV as it's top-end is plenty for me and I like the torquey feel. It's just frustrating the hell out of me at the moment as I have mechanical problems with it but that's not to say that a GSXR will be any better.